Putin Announces Easter Ceasefire in Ukraine, Urges Vigilance Amid Hopes for Reciprocal Truce

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, coinciding with the Easter holiday. This announcement was made by the Kremlin on Saturday, with the truce set to begin at 1800 hours (1500 GMT) and last until midnight on Sunday (2100 GMT Sunday). The decision was conveyed during a meeting with Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, as reported by the Kremlin Press Service.

The ceasefire is intended to provide a pause in the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for three years. Putin emphasized that while the truce is in effect, Russian forces should remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any potential violations or provocations from Ukrainian forces. The Russian President expressed hope that the Ukrainian side would reciprocate the gesture of goodwill and adhere to the ceasefire.

This announcement comes on the same day that Russia’s Defense Ministry reported progress in its military operations, stating that Russian forces had successfully pushed Ukrainian troops from a contested area. The details of this advancement were not elaborated upon in the Kremlin’s statement regarding the ceasefire.

The temporary truce is framed as a humanitarian gesture, aligning with the Easter celebrations observed by many in the region. The Kremlin’s statement reflects an expectation that the ceasefire will be respected by both sides, allowing for a brief respite in hostilities. The international community will be watching closely to see if the ceasefire holds and whether it might pave the way for further diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.